Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet HHR was something of a late arrival to the compact wagon scene. Its name stood for "Heritage High Roof," referring to its tall retro-wagon styling, which Chevrolet claims was inspired by the '49 Suburban. Everything else about the vehicle, however, was decidedly modern.

Though compact in size, the Chevy HHR featured clever interior packaging solutions, including a split-folding rear seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat and a cargo area floor (with built-in grocery bag hooks) that allowed it to accommodate bulky and/or long cargo items. For shoppers searching for a used versatile compact wagon that's also stylish, the HHR certainly merits consideration.

Most Recent Chevrolet HHR
The Chevrolet HHR was a compact four-door wagon produced from 2006-'11. It shared its front-wheel-drive architecture -- and thus many of its driving characteristics -- with Chevrolet's Cobalt compact sedan.

In testing, our editors commented favorably about the HHR's smooth and quiet ride, ample cargo space, attractive interior, excellent visibility and versatile sound system. The cabin boasted nicely detailed gauges, tight construction and substantial-feeling controls. There was, however, no shortage of hard plastics on hand that sullied the overall ambience. The HHR's tall ceiling provided headroom aplenty, but the narrow body limited comfort for adults riding in the backseat. Other downsides included weak brakes, underwhelming handling dynamics and a lack of refinement from the 2.4-liter engine.

Four trim levels were offered: LS, 1LT, 2LT and a high-performance SS version produced from 2008-'10. A two-seat panel van version that came in LS, LT and SS trims was available every year but 2006.

The base engine was a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that initially produced 143 horsepower, but was bumped to 149 for 2007 and to 155 for 2010. Available on the LT was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced either 172 hp or 175 depending on the year (it actually went back and forth). The SS featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 260 hp, along with stronger brakes and an enhanced suspension that together made it quite fun to drive. Front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual were standard with all, but a four-speed automatic was optional.

Besides the minor horsepower bumps, changes to the HHR were limited to standard features. Most notably, this included stability control for 2008 as well as antilock brakes and side curtain airbags the following year.

User Reviews:

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  All I hoped that it would be - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Michael Miller - October 6 - 10:33 am

  I love this car. I consistenly get 26.5 miles to a gallon around town and on the freeway. My average speed in use is 30 mph. I roll it at 70 on the freeway and combined with my street level average 30 mph. Handy layout lets me haul large items. Plenty of pep in small engine.

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  One Cool Car - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Richard in Murrieta - October 2 - 3:51 pm

  I bought this car VERY inexpensively under the C4C program only 2 criteria: get the least expensive car I could find in one weekend, and get a car with adequate head room (Im 63"). I am pleasantly surprised with this stylish car I bought the aqua-blue one). It reminds me of those big-eyed Chevron cars in the ads--very cute. My wife calls it a "Minnie Mouse" car. Its a bit slow, but does well for a 2.2L 4-banger with good EPA mileage.

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  Excellent auto - except for leaking - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By EmeraldDixon - September 29 - 3:13 pm

  I have enjoyed driving the 2006 HR for the last three years. My only problem is leaking after heavy rains on the floor on the drivers side. Are there other people experiencing this problem?

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  Very pleased - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By sbecks - September 26 - 1:13 pm

  Five minutes into a test drive, I was hooked. Took a sharp dog leg corner at a considerable speed, and the HHR held to the road like a magnet. A little slow off the line, but will see if a chip helps. Day of purchase took a 200mi trip. Very pleasant to drive, and very peppy and nimble in traffic. City and hiway. Great fuel economy. Cruise set at 78 most of trip. Avg mpg was 26-27. That was with a little lead foot sport driving in city. Some road noise thru suspension but not unreasonable for size of vehicle. Slight wind noise but, again not unreasonable. I am very impressed with the sure footed feeling on wet roads.

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  Fun Machine - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Fred - September 20 - 6:43 pm

  Had my 09 HHR 1LT a little over six weeks and have over 3,300 miles on it. Its a fun machine to drive, plenty of power and great gas mileage. My previous ride was a 99 Blazer ZR2 with 219,000 miles on it and with the clunker program got my HHR. I dont see any reason why this HHR wont do the same.

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  Great Looks, Good overall car - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By JPSKI - September 20 - 9:51 am

  I have my 09 HHR now for three months and have to say I really enjoy driving the car. Is it powerful- of course not, it is a 2.2 four cylinder engine. Is it adequate- yes. However there is a mystique about the car that I cannot fully explain except that I love to look at it and really enjoy driving it. It is fun, not luxury, and luxury is overrated! If you want to break away from status symbol land and just drive a fun car, you will be glad you picked this one.

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  retrorod - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By biff - September 19 - 4:26 am

  A fun car to drive at city and highway speeds. Corners much better than I imagined. Doesnt have all the bells and whistles of a Cadillac, but you cant get a caddy for 22,000 dollars. The upgraded wheels make it a real head Turner. The red paint job is the reddist red I have ever seen on a car. I know I will enjoy this car for years to come. This is a retro done right.

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  luv it or leave it - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By karen golob - September 13 - 11:19 pm

  I am not very happy with gm I bought my car used with factory warranty to 1000,00 mi. The car has 53,000mi My transmission has been slipping I took it to dealer they didnt fix it they gave it a new gasket supposedly. tear down transmission, replaced side cover gasket. Im not happy with gm Im going to need to keep complaining for them to fix it properly. Im worried transmission is already on its way out it sickens i bought car 2007 used 32,000 mi I luv style of car and the way it rides but Im afraid of keeping it to long I think I have lemon signed depressed

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  For Work and Play - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Paul - September 13 - 10:52 am

  We bought the HHR as a second car. It has been used as a delivery vehicle as well as for family fun and errands. The car excels on all accounts. Very comfortable and economical with a load of standard features. Also a terrific bargain with all the incentives at the time of purchase.

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  All around winner - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Neil - September 12 - 10:52 am

  Got the LS (w/auto) under cash for clunkers. Outstanding car, especially at the price paid. Ride, handling, features all excellent. Lots of fun to drive, and nearly as versatile as a minivan. Seems to be very well built. Base model plus auto and roof rack has everything I need. I drive in heavy stop and go traffic daily, but have improved my gas mileage by more than a third. My only complaint- the basic stereo! Has all the features you might want, but sounds like a 1960s pocket transistor radio. Spring for the upgrade if you can.